Electrical precipitator



March 8, 1938. A. F. MESTON ELECTRICAL PRECIPITATOR Filed March 2, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 J GGOOQWOOOOOOG 4 Skeletal-Sheet 2 A.' F. MEsi'oN ELECTRICAL. PRECIPITATOR Filed uadh 2, 19:55

` March s, 193s.

March 8, 1938. y A. F'. Ml-:s'roN 2,110,631

2 ELECTRICAL PRECIPITATOR I Filed M arch 2. 1935 4 sheets-sheet s #Jal March s, 193s. A. F, MESTN 2,110,631

lELEIC'II'RIGAL PRECIITATOR i Filed March 2. 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet-4 1st-...ed M... 8.1938 'y 2,110,631'

ELECTRICAL PRECIPITATOR 4,

. Archibald F. Meston, Middlesex Borough N. J., assignor to Research Corporation, New York,

Y., a corporation of New York f Application Marca 2, 1935, serial Nrs-9,118

zo claims. (c1. isa- 7) This invention relates to apparatus for the electrode members are concentrically arranged to electrical treatment of gases and other fluids and provide annular paths therebetween, the inlet particularly to apparatus for the precipitation conduits preferably open into said annular paths of suspended particles from gaseousV fluids by at points spaced circumferentially along thepaths 5 passing the gaseous fluids between opposedl comfrom the outlets to the eduction conduits so that plementary electrodes between which a relathe gases in passing from the inlet to the outlet tively high potential difference is maintained openings are subjected to centrifugal action.

Typically in such apparatus one electrode pre. The invention will be more particularly desents an extended surface and is known as a scribed for the purpose of illustration with refll collecting electrode, While the complementary erence to the accompanying drawings in which: 10

electrode, known as a discharge electrode,Y pre- Fig. 1 is an elevation of an embodiment of the sents edges, points or portions of high radius of invention including concentric electrodes in curvature which facilitate the formation of which the inlet and outlet conduits are provided corona discharge. by a collecting electrode; l A principal object of the invention is to provide Fig. 2 is avertical section on line 2-2 of Fig. 3; 15 electrical precipitation apparatus of high eiii- Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on line 3-3 of ciency and compact arrangement. Fig. 1;

A further object is to provide a precipitator Fig. 3a is a horizontal section showing a modiinv which the gas to be treated enters the appacation of the construction of Figs. 1-3; ratus and the treated gas leaves the apparatus Fig. 4 is an elevation of a'form of the inven- 20 in parallel directions, Whilethe gas passes .tion in which the' electrodes are parallel and through the treating zone between' the electrodes in which the collecting electrode system provides at right angles to the direction of inlet and inlet and outlet conduits;

outlet of the gases, andparticularly to provide Fig. 5 is a vertical section on line 5 -5 of a precipitator in which the gases enter and leave Fig. 4; 25 the precipitator vertically but pass horizontally Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectionvon line 6-6 of between the treating electrodes. Fig. 4; y

.A further object is to provide a vertical flow Fig. 'l is a fragmentary horizontal section precipitator in which the `precipitated particles showing a modification of the construction of fall at right angles to the gas flow rather than Figs. 4-6; 30 counter to the gas flow as in ordinary vertical Fig. 8 is a sectional elevation of a further flow precipitators. modification of the invention; i

A still further object is to provide a vertical Fig. 9 is a vertical section of the modification flow precipitator in rwhich the gas flow is disof Fig. 8; tributed uniformly throughout the area of the Fig. 10 is a horizontal section on line lll-I0 35 treating zone.v of Fig. 9;

Another object of the invention is to provide a Fig. 11 is an elevation cfa form of the invenprecipitator in which centrifugal action supple-r tion including concentric electrodes in which ments the action of the electrical field in removthe inlet and outlet conduits are provided by l ing suspended particles from the gases treated the discharge electrode system;

therein. Fig. 12 is a partial sectional elevation 'of'. the

These and other objects and advantages which embodiment ^of Fig. 11; y will be'apparent from the description of the in- Fig. 13 is a horizontal section on line vI3-`I3 vention are 'effected by means of the invention of Fig. 11;. and which broadly comprises a construction includ- Fig. 13a is a horizontal section showing a mod- 45 ing opposed complementary electrodes positioned ication of the construction of Figs. 11-13. within a casing, and inlet and outlet conduits Figs. 1, 2 and 3 show a vertical flow precipiprojectin'g into the interior of said casing and tator which may be mounted directlyon a iuropening into the spacebetween said electrodes .nace or boiler as indicated at I. The precipitaat substantially opposite points in said casing. tor comprises a vertical cylindrical casing 2, 50

In some embodiments of theinvention, the inlet Within which is mounted the collecting electrodeand outlet conduits are provided by the discharge flue structure 3 and the discharge electrode electrode members or by the collecting electrode structure. The discharge electrode structure members. consists of a plurality of wire discharge elements In embodiments of the invention in which the 4 concentrically positioned between the casingy 55 and the collecting surface of electrode-nue structure 3 by means of rings 5. This structure is suspended in the casing and insulated therefrom by bushings -6 and is connected to a. source of high potential current at 1. s

The collecting electrode-flue structure comprises a cylindrical shell 8, divided by a diagonal partition 9 into two compartments I8 and II.

Each compartment opens into the treating space the casing and the outer surface of the electrode shell serve ascollecting surfaces.

The gases to be treated pass first into compartment I0, out through orifices I2 into the treating zone between the shell 8 and the casing. The 'gases pass vortically in both directions through the treating zone to the opposite side of the treater to orifices I3 where they pass into compartment II and thence into stack I5. In their passage from orifices I2 to orifices I3, the gases are subjected to the action of the electric field between the electrodes and corona discharge emanating from elements 4 and are also subjected to centrifugal force by reason of their vortical motion. Suspended particles areforced to the collecting surfaces and. thence drop into hoppers I8. Dust collecting in the lower part of compartment II may be cleaned out through door I1.

Fig. 3a shows a modification which may be substituted for the collecting electrode-flue structure of Figs. 1-3. In this construction, the co1- lecting electrode structure is divided into a plurality of ues 2 I, and a central flue 22. As shown, the gases to be treated enter central ue 22, pass' out into the treating zone through a plurality of circumferentially spaced orifices 23, and thence into fines 2l through orifices 24, which alternate with orifices 23. 2' is the precipitator casing and 4 are discharge elements. Y

In the embodiment shown yin Figs. 4, 5 and 6, a plurality of parallel collecting electrode-flue members 3I alternate with discharge electrode members 32 in casing 33.

'I'he collecting electrode members 3|, which are connected to the casing 33 and to ground, comprise hollow rectangular chambers divided into compartments 34 and 35 by partitions 36. Compartment 34 communicates at the top with supply7V iiue v31 and compartment 35 communicates with eduction ue 31a, while both sets of compartments open at their outer ends into the interior of the precipitator casing.

'I'he discharge electrode members consist of discharge elements 38 suspended. between bars 39 and suspended in the casing and insulated therefromby bushings 48.

The gas to be treated passes intov compartments 34 from iiue 31, thence out the ends into the interior of the precipitator casing. At this point, the gases make a sharp reverse turn, which tends to throw out suspended particles, thence through the length of the treating zones between the electrodes, and after making a sharp reverse turn at the other end of the precipitator chamber, they pass into compartments 35 and out into flue 31a.

The precipitated material falls into hoppers 4I.

In the alternate form shown in Fig. 7, the collecting electrode structure is composed ,of two separate sets of compartments 34' and 35', longitudinally spaced apart. In the space between the pairs of compartments, it is advantageous to position electrode cleaning means, such as rappers 42.

In the construction shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, the gases are brought into and out of the interior of precipitator casing 5I by means of a flue structure located in the central portionof the interior between two sets of opposed electrode systems and opening into opposite ends of the interior of the casing. This flue structure is formed of vertical members 52 and diagonal member 53 which provide a chamber 54 opening at the bottom into inlet stack 55 and at the side into'one end of the interior of the casing, and a chamber 56 opening at the top into outlet stack 51 and at the vside into the opposite end of the interior of the casing.

The collecting electrodes comprise at platelike members 58 connected to-the casing and to ground. The interior surfaces of casing 5I and the exterior surfaces of members 52 also serve as collecting surfaces. To facilitate the distribution of gases, the collecting electrode members 58 decrease in length towards the middle portion of the precipitator, and to avoid corona discharge from the edges of the members, the edges are preferably rounded.

Alternating with the collecting electrodes are discharge electrode structures consisting of discharge elements 59 carried between frames 88 which are suspended in the casing and insulated therefrom by bushings 5I.

Precipitated material is collected in hoppers 62.

In the construction illustrated in Figs. 11, 12 and 13, the inlet and outlet flues are provided by the discharge electrode structure. In this construction, a cylindrical collecting electrode member 1I is concentrically positioned withinecasing 'I2 and insulated therefrom by means of bushings 13. The discharge electrode structure is concentrically mounted Within the collecting electrode. 'I'he discharge electrode comprises a cylindrical shell 14 divided into two compartments 15 and 18 by means of partition 11. Compartment 15 is closed at the top and opens at the bottom into inlet stack 18, while compartment 16 is closed at the bottom and opens at the top into outlet stack 18. Compartment 15 communicates with the interior of the casing through a vertical row of orifices 80, while compartment 16 communicates with the interior of the casing through a diametrically opposite row of orifices 8l. Positioned around the exterior of discharge electrode shell 14 are a plurality of longitudinal dis'charge elements 82, for example in the form of fins welded to the shell 14.

Gases passing into compartment 15 from inlet stack 18 pass out into the treating zone through orifices 80, thence vortically in both directions through the annular treating zone to the opposite side where they pass out through orifices 8l into compartment 18- and thence into outlet stack 19. In the passage of the gases through the treating zone, the suspended particles are thus subjected to both centrifugal and electrical' action. The precipitated material is caught inthis structure, the discharge'electrode is divided into a plurality. of compartments 9| surround- .ing a central compartment 92. When the central compartment is used as an inlet conduit, the

outer compartments serve as outlet conduits. In this case, the compartment 92 is :losed at the top and communicates at the bottom with a supply stack, and the compartments 9| are closed at the bottom and communicate at the top with an outlet stack. The gases to be treated pass into the treating zone through oriflces 93 and leave the treating zone through orifices 94.

It will be seen from the forms of the invention illustrated and described that the principles of the invention may be embodied in a wide variety of constructions and methods of operation.

I claim:

l. Apparatus for electrically treating gases comprising a casing, opposed vertically extending complementary electrodes 'within said casing, certain of said electrodes providing inlet and outlet conduits vertically projecting into the interior of said casing and opening into the space between said electrodes at substantially horizontally opposite points in said casing, whereby gaseous iiuid may be introduced into said casing and removed therefrom in parallelvertical directions and' caused to pass between said electrodes in a horizontal direction substantially at right angles to thedirection of inlet and exit of the gaseous fluid and the gravity removal of separated materials is effected at right angles to the flow of gases.

2. Apparatus for electrically treating gases comprising a casing, opposed complementary tal path for the flow of gases therebetweemiand providing inlet and outlet conduits vertically projecting into the interior of said casing and opening into the space between said electrodes at opposite ends of said path, whereby gaseous iiuidmay be introduced into said casing and removed therefrom in parallel vertical directions and caused to pass between said electrodes in a horizontal direction substantially at right angles to the direction of inlet and exit of the gaseous iiuid and the Igravity removal of separated materials is effected at right angles tothe flow of gases.

3. Apparatus for electrically treating gases comprisingv a casing, opposed complementary electrodes within said casing providing an annular path for the flow of gases therebetween, and providing inlet and outlet conduits projecting into the interior of said casing and opening into the space between said electrodes at opposite points in said path, whereby gaseous iiuid may be introduced into said casin'g and removed therefrom in parallel directions and caused to pass between said electrodes substantially at right angles to the direction of inlet and exit of the gaseous fluid.

4. Apparatus for electrically treating gases comprising a casing, opposed parallel complementary electrodes within said casing providing a path for the iiow of gases therebetween, and providing'. inlet and outlet conduits projecting into the interior of said casing and opening into the space between saidelectrodes at opposite ends of said path,vwhereby gaseous iiuid may be introduced into said casing and removed therevfrom in parallel directions and caused to pass between said electrodes substantially at right angles to the direction of inlet and exit of the gaseous iiuid.

5. Apparatus for electrically treating gases comprising a casing, opposed complementary electrode systems within said casing providing a plurality-of parallel paths for the iiow of gases trodes substantially at right angles to the direction of inlet and exit of the gaseous iiuid.

6. Electrical precipitation apparatus comprising a casing, opposed complementary electrode systems Within said casing providing a path for the iiow of gases therebetween, one of said electrode systems providing a plurality of conduits opening into said casing from the exterior thereof at mutually remote points.

7. Electrical precipitation apparatus comprising a casing, opposed complementary electrode systems within said casing providing a path for the flow of gases therebetween, one of said electrode systems providing inlet and outlet conduits opening into said casing from the exterior thereof at opposite ends of said path.

8. Electrical precipitation apparatus comprising a casing, opposed complementary electrode systems within said` casing providing an annular path for the iiow of gases therebetween, one of said electrode systems providing inlet and outlet conduits opening into said casing at opposite points in said path.

9.y Electrical precipitation apparatus comprising a casing, opposed concentric complementary electrode systems within said casing providing anA annular path for the ow of gases therebetween, one of said electrode systems providing inlet and outlet conduits opening into said casing at opposite points in said path.

10. Electrical precipitation apparatus comprising a casing, .opposed discharge and collecting electrode systems within said casing providing a path for the flow of gases therebetween, said discharge electrode system providing inlet and outlet conduits opening into said casing at opposite ends of said path.

11. Electrical precipitation apparatus comprising la casing, opposed discharge and collecting Ielectrode systems within said casing providing a path for the flow of gases therebetween, said collecting electrode system providing inlet and outlet conduits opening into said casing at opposite ends of said path.

12. Electrical precipitation apparatus comprising a casing, opposed complementary electrode systems within said casing providing a plurality of parallel paths for the iiowl of gases therebetween, one of said electrode systems providing inlet and outlet conduits opening into said casing from the exterior thereof at opposite ends of said paths.

I13. Electrical precipitation apparatus comprising a casing, opposed complementary electrode systems within said casing providing a plurality of parallel horizontal paths for the flow of gases therebetween, one of said electrode systems providing4 inlet and outlet conduits opening into said casing from the exterior thereof at horizontally opposite ends of said paths.

14. Electrical treating apparatus comprising a casing, opposed discharge and collecting electrode systems concentrically disposed Within said casing so as to provide an annular path therebetween, the innermost of said electrode systems providing a plurality of inlet and outlet conduits opening into said annular path at alternately spaced points.

15 Electrical treating apparatus comprising a casing, opposed discharge and collecting electrode systems concentrically disposed within said casing so as to provide an annular path therebetween, the innermost of said electrode systems providing an inlet and an outlet conduit opening into said annular path at opposite points.

16. Apparatus for the electrical purification oi' gases comprising a casing, opposed discharge and collecting electrode systems within said casing, one of said electrode systems providing a shell, means dividing said shell into a plurality oi compartments, certain of which provide inlet conduits for the -gases to betreated and others of which provide eductionv conduits for the treated gases, said inlet and eduction conduits opening into the interior of said casing at mutually remote points, means for conveying gases to be treated to said inlet conduits and means for conveying treated gases from said outlet conduits.

17. Apparatus for the electrical purification of gases comprising a casing, opposed discharge and collecting electrode systems within said casing, one oi said electrode systems forming the external walls of a chamber, means dividing said chamber into two non-communicating compartments, openings'from said compartments into the interior of said casing at mutually remote points, means for conveying gases to be treated into one oi said compartments and' means for conveying treated gases from the other of said compartments.

18. Apparatus for the electrical puriilcation o1' gases comprising a casing, opposed discharge and collecting electrode systems within said casing. said discharge electrode system defining a chamber, means dividing said chamber into two Ynon-communicating compartments, openings from said compartments into the interior o! said casing at mutually remote points, means for conveying gases to lbe treated into one of said compartments and means for conveying treated gases from the other of said compartments.

19. Apparatus for the electrical purification oi' gases comprising a casing, opposed discharge and collecting electrode systems within said casing, said collecting electrode system dening a chamber, means dividing said chamber into two noncommunicating compartments, openingsq from said compartments into the interior oi? said casing nat mutually remote points, means for conveying gases to be treated into one of said compartments and means for conveying treated gases fromthe other of said compartments.

20. Apparatus for the electrical purication of gases comprising a casing, opposed concentric discharge and collecting electrode systems Vwithin said casing, the innermost oi said electrode systems deiining a chamber, means dividing said chamberinto two non-communicating compartments. openings from said compartmentsinto the interior of said casing at mutually remote points,

means for conveying gases to be treated into one of said compartments and means for conveying treatedgases from the other of said compartments.

ARCHIBALD F. MESTON. 

